Gosick 8 – redemption

Just a quick update. I’m still experiencing difficulties that prevent me from doing these posts (or even watching shows) properly, so the above image was lifted from Tenka Seiha.

I did want to post, however, because I noticed that Gosick is not being blogged by many, and the opinion expressed is mostly negative. (Check out the Tenka Seiha review, linked above, or this one from Emory Anime Club for what seems to be the consensus opinion). I, on the other hand, find the show enjoyable, light entertainment.

This latest arc has focused on Victorica’s efforts to clear the name of her mother, who had been exiled from a small town for a crime Victorica believes her mother never committed. It follows the pattern of the first arc, lasting three episodes, and beginning with an initial mystery that is solved rapidly by Victorica, followed by deepening mysteries and red herrings. In my opinion, this is a fun way to spend some anime viewing time.

The one good thing that people seem to be able to say about the show is that they enjoy the relationship between the main couple (Victorica X Kujo). Kujo is an above-average male lead, in that he acts with conviction, even though he comes off as far from bright. For her part, Victorica is more kuudere than tsundere, so we avoid the recycled jokes about hitting and yelling. The result is a fairly convincing depiction of incipient romance between a young man, fascinated by a mysterious and beautiful girl, and said girl, who has learned from hard experience to distance herself from others.

For those who might assume this show is just another moe-filled excuse to show child-like females: this simply isn’t the case. The emphasis of the show is clearly on the unfolding events of whatever mystery the lead couple finds themselves caught up in. Some have claimed that the mysteries are far too simple, leaving them (along with Victorica) bored. Personally I found both the first and this third arc intriguing (the second arc wasn’t as strong, but it was also shoe-horned into only two episodes, which might have damaged it).

Look, Gosick isn’t a must-watch. I can’t imagine it becoming one of my faves (even during this weak season I am having more fun with Level E). I do, however, look forward to each new episode. If you haven’t given it a try, and find yourself with a little extra anime-viewing time, check it out for yourself.